Getting to a beach for snorkling by public bus

[globalwife]

Are there any beaches that we can get to easily by taking a public bus? We are looking for a beach that we can snorkel on with our own gear.

[travelite]

Are there any beaches that we can get to easily by taking a public bus? We are looking for a beach that we can snorkel on with our own gear.

Is there another location on the CC boards to find info. for snorkeling? There haven't been replies on the Curacao thread.

[cruiseapril]

Hi- We took the Beach Express last year to Blue Bay Resort which was a good swimming and snorkeling site. The Beach Express sometimes goes to Playa Porto Mari which has been reviewed on this forum.

 

Most of the people we know who have snorkeled in Curacao either take the Beach Express or a taxi.

[travelite]

Hi- We took the Beach Express last year to Blue Bay Resort which was a good swimming and snorkeling site. The Beach Express sometimes goes to Playa Porto Mari which has been reviewed on this forum.

 

Most of the people we know who have snorkeled in Curacao either take the Beach Express or a taxi.

Where do we get the Beach Express? What is the approx. cost?

Appreciate your reply.

[cruiseapril]

Hi- The best thing to do is Google the "Curacao Beach Express" for more info. We signed up for this bus through the HAL cruise line. Which cruise line are you on?

 

If that's not convenient, cruisers can sign up with a tour guide such as those recommended on this forum and plan their own Curacao beach/snorkeling tour or can just take a taxi from the pier. The local buses are not as reliable for this type of trip. Just one opinion.

 

Have you checked the Snorkeling Forum on CC?

[2CoolCanucks]

Two beaches that are close to the pier that you don't hear too much about are the Marie Pampoen and the Sonesta beaches. I have snorkeled at both of them and on a quiet day, (not too windy) they are quite nice for snorkeling.

 

They are both free beaches but are not what you would call your exotic tourist beaches. The local buses do drive there.

 

Sonesta beach is beside the Marriott hotel and Marie Pampoen is close to the Breezes hotel. The KonTiki and Mambo beaches are also very close to the Marie Pampoen and have more of the touristy appeal. They also have a small entrance fee... around $3-5 USD.

 

Again, snorkeling quality close to the pier really depends on the weather. If it is windy, you will probably not get much visibility.

Other snorkeling options are the Tugboat (close to Caracasbaai) and the Octopuss in Sint Michiel. Check a map of Curacao online to see where these are since they are also relatively close to the pier.